It was a weekend for bicyclists as they got to enjoy different parts of our region with the Lake Erie Cycle Fest


The four-day event wrapped up in the morning with the See, Spot ride.

Cyclists rolled out of McKean Elementary School early on Sunday for the annual ride.


Jennifer Bane, a volunteer with Because You Care "We start here in McKean, which is where our dog center is located, right of 79 on West Road and what better way to highlight our facility than have a ride that ends at our facility with food, music, and drinks and tours where people can meet out dogs and cats that are available for adoption."


Since its beginning, the Lake Erie Cycle Fest has grown both in the number of rides and participants.


"It's definitely grown over the years. In 2020, there was a little bit of a lull where we had a virtual ride and the following year it really picked up, where several non-profits came together, we put together a whole weekend of events", said Bane.


Throughout the entire weekend, different rides were sponsored by different organizations and non-profits, the weekend ending on Sunday with a ride sponsored by Because You Care.


Some avid cyclists have been biking in the Cycle Fest since the beginning. Susan Sapone, a participating cyclist  said, "My husband and I were a part of the original developers of the Cycle Fest, so I have been doing it every year that we have had it."


She enjoys the rides each year and seeing new cyclists from all over the region. "It's nice to see that they get to know the area and they can bring some revenue to the area and get to enjoy our beautiful city and our county ."


Volunteers said they love participating and look forward to seeing how these events help the animals in need.


Because You Care is gearing up for their next fundraiser which is their walk happening in October.